Gene R. Palen, 72 of Cheyenne passed away September 8, 2107 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.

He was born September 28, 1944 in West Point, Mississippi to Dr. Joseph S. and Ruth Palen. He married Mary Jane Eggert on August 31, 1968 in St. Mary’s Cathedral. He retired after owning and operating Big W. Supplies. He was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral, past board member of Cheyenne Historical Preservation Society, Wyoming Historical Society, Laramie County Historical Society and the Board of City of Cheyenne Metropolitan Planning Organization.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Palen of Cheyenne; children, Cole Palen of Seattle, WA and Lauren Palen of Denver, CO; brother, Jerry (Ann) Palen of Saratoga, WY; brother-in-law, Robert (Andrea) Eggert of Denver; sister-in-law, Jo Ann Eggert of Fort Collins, CO and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Those who wish may contribute to the Wyoming State Historical Society or Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

A Funeral Liturgy will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Cathedral with private interment in Olivet Cemetery.